Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.52 billion pounds in March, down slightly from the 4.54 billion pounds produced in March 2017.

Beef production, at 2.20 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.70 million head, down 2 percent from March 2017. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,358 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 6 percent below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 43,700 head, down 3 percent from March 2017. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 240 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.30 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up slightly from March 2017. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 286 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.2 million pounds, was up 3 percent from March 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 201,600 head, 3 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, unchanged from March a year ago.

January to March 2018 commercial red meat production was 13.2 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2017. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent from last year, veal was up slightly, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 3 percent.

For a full copy of the Livestock Slaughter 2017 Summary report please visit www.nass.usda.gov.